PA School Reverses Course, Admits HIV-Positive Student

Aug 6, 2012

Photo courtesy: WPMT - FOX43.com

It may have been a little pressure from the Federal government that got it done, but a Pennsylvania school says it's changing a decision to deny admission to an HIV-positive student, a move some had called discriminatory.

Saying their new policy is based on "guidance" from the Department of Justice, the Milton Hershey School is offering enrollment to a Philadelphia-area teen previously rejected for his HIV-positive status.

(Cortez) "It's a mission to be here, with a purpose of helping a child, in their younger years, to be able to develop into full productive citizens."

Anthony Cortez handles housing for students at the school, started by the candy bar maker and still financed by a company trust, as it offers low income and at-risk kids an education. The school's President, saying the DoJ "disagreed" with their old policy, and that the school "will enthusiastically welcome all students."